The Astros lost one star in free agency while trading away another. They're moving their longtime second baseman to left field. It'll be a different team, one they hope will remain a top AL contender in the short term while avoiding a true rebuild in the second half of this decade.
Major League Signings
- 1B Christian Walker: Three years, $60MM
- LF Ben Gamel: One year, $1.2MM (only $200K guaranteed)
2025 spending: $21.2MM
Total spending: $62.2MM
Option Decisions
- None
Trades and Claims
- Acquired LF Taylor Trammell from Yankees for cash
- Traded RF Kyle Tucker to Cubs for 3B Isaac Paredes, RHP Hayden Wesneski and minor league 3B Cam Smith
- Traded SS Grae Kessinger to Diamondbacks for minor league RHP Matthew Linskey
- Traded RHP Ryan Pressly and cash ($5.5MM) to Cubs for minor league RHP Juan Bello
Notable Minor League Signings
Extensions
- None
Notable Losses
- Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Justin Verlander, Yusei Kikuchi, Ryan Pressly, José Urquidy (non-tendered), Caleb Ferguson, Héctor Neris, Jason Heyward, Kendall Graveman, Seth Martinez (via waivers), Penn Murfee (via waivers), Grae Kessinger, Trey Cabbage (via waivers)
The Astros are seeking their ninth consecutive playoff berth. Houston's incredible run of seven straight trips to the ALCS came to an end, but they still cruised to an AL West title after a ghastly start to the '24 campaign. The contention window certainly hasn't closed, but the front office had its work cut out for them this winter.
Alex Bregman's free agency was the most immediate challenge. Houston has spent up to and occasionally beyond the luxury tax line under owner Jim Crane. They're willing to spend, but that has come with the general caveat that they're not keen on offering long-term contracts. Houston had already allowed George Springer and Carlos Correa to walk in free agency. How much urgency would they show with Bregman?
The Astros made some effort to retain their longtime third baseman. They reportedly offered a six-year, $156MM proposal early in the winter. Bregman remained in pursuit of a contract closer to $200MM. While Houston left the offer on the table, the front office began turning its attention elsewhere when there was no progress towards a deal within the offseason's first six weeks.
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Still gotta be the favorites in the AL West.
Iwould have to put the Rangers above them now. Replacing Tucker and Bregman with Walker and Paredes is obviously a step down. The Rangers are definitely a Jekyll and Hyde team, but they are kind of reminiscent of the Giants in the early 2010s. Remember how they were only good every other year?
Astros essentially broke even on all their trades and changes. They are still the team to beat in the AL West.
I think the Astros will taking a step back. It kind of reminds me of the Royals in the 2-3 years after their WS appearances. They tried to hold on and ended being a .500 team on the edge of contention for a couple years before they just had to admit that their window was closed and it was time to start anew. I think the Astros will probably be a solid 82-86 win team that might sneak into the playoffs, but they could just as easily be a 75-79 win team that finishes in 3rd or 4th place in the West. They have had a great run, but I think the window is about closed.
Offensive Production:
The acquisition of Christian Walker addresses power needs, but the overall impact of losing Tucker and Bregman is significant. This area would likely receive a grade in the C+ to B- range.
Pitching Staff:
Due to the injury concerns, and the questions surrounding the new additions to the staff, this area would also likely receive a grade in the C+ to B- range.
Defensive Reliability:
Depending on how well the new players adapt, this could range from a B to a C range.
Roster Flexibility:
The acquisition of versatile players like Isaac Paredes and Luis Guillorme improves flexibility, so this area would likely receive a B to a B+ grade.
Overall Evaluation:
Based on these assessments, the Astros’ offseason would likely receive a grade in the C+ to B- range. This indicates that while they addressed some needs, the significant losses create considerable uncertainty.
By using this points system, we can provide a more structured and objective evaluation of the Astros’ offseason.
C
Tucker trade helps them attempt to extend contention. Walker nice player. Lots of pitchers leaving without many coming back in. Did enough to keep fans interested and have a shot.
That’s my take as well. It isn’t a great division, and 86 wins might take it. But they are as thin as can.
Anyone know if they are planning on starting Wesneski or is he BP-bound?
I’d guess they want him to start. See if he is up to the challenge.
The Astros are still the prohibitive favorite in the AL West but the sleeper team in my opinion is going to be the A’s…pretty solid young team and nobody expects them to win 70 games
They won basically that number last year, finished the season at .500 over 64 games and have added a decent amount of talent without losing any notable core guys. I think a lot of people expect them to compete in the AL West and would think 75.5 is more the win total to beat this year
Tucker and Bregman are not notable??
I think he was talking about the A’s.
not when it comes to talking about the A’s…
My had then sacball, thought you were talking about Astros. Yes A’s did not lose anyone noteworthy and made some intriguing additions to their team.
Tucker and Bregman were definitely notable losses for the Astros and I believe those two will be why the Astros miss out on the playoffs this year
Hey, do one for the Cardinals.
@Daryl Pauley
Offseason evaluation: Z minus.
Harsh, but fair.
Astros can fairly easily match last year’s W-L. I’ll predict them at 90-72.
Still not a bad squad on paper. If Seattle even remotely shows a pulse it could make things interesting
Okay, I am the Astros outlier here. I see no depth on offense, no depth with Starting Pitching and Relievers. I pick a mediocre season, perhaps a losing record too.